Viking knit is an ancient way of weaving a chain that does not require soldering of the links. The chain in this technique is woven from a long piece of wire, which is extended as needed.
The name can be translated into Russian roughly as “Viking knots” or “Viking weaving”. The technique received this name due to the fact that the first decoration of this type was found in a Viking burial. But then there were other, more ancient finds, and now it is believed that the technique originally came from the city of Trichipoli in India. I use this chain for antique style jewelry.
Technology for creating silver chains
The process of making silver chains begins with the selection of material. Often it is scrap, less often an ingot. Next comes the smelting process. The use of induction furnaces is the most modern option for creating liquid precious mass, since the use of inert gas prevents the process of metal oxidation. The next stage is the creation of a rod, which is drawn into thin wire by rolling. In order for such material to become links in the chain in the future, the following techniques are used:
This is followed by the next stage of reducing the diameter of the product - drawing. After finishing annealing, the wire is processed on a special machine, which ensures weaving according to the specified parameters. Our specialists use devices that are capable of creating special unique link weaving techniques according to the stated requirements. Powder treatment and degreasing precede soldering followed by washing. Next comes drying. Depending on the need to create an original result, compaction, chipping and softening techniques are used. In any case, finishing is done by polishing and finishing.
Tools and materials
Viking knit or “Viking Knot” is one of the oldest techniques for creating chains. It owes its poetic name to archaeological research in the Scandinavian countries, during which similar jewelry was found.
This weaving does not require soldering at all, which makes the task much easier. In addition, the gimp can be constantly lengthened, creating a product of the desired size.
To create the Viking Knot chain you will need the following:
- A coil of thin copper wire;
- Scissors;
- Pencil;
- Ruler.
What kind of silver is suitable for chains?
In nature, silver occurs in the form of nuggets. Today, only proven reserves of silver in the world are estimated at more than half a million tons. Although in jewelry practice the material is not used in its pure form. To give it strength, additives are used:
All this will allow you to create truly strong chains from 925 sterling silver, which, due to the described components, has higher strength and ductility in creating spectacular jewelry. The physical properties of this natural precious metal are also interesting. It has a high degree of rolling strength. This is due to simple statistical calculations: from one gram of argentum you can create up to 2 kilometers of the finest wire.
Master class: manual production of an “armored” chain
I decided to share my recently acquired experience in hand-weaving chains. This type of weaving in Czech is called “Pancr” (in Russian it is approximately the same as “Armor”) and is included in the compulsory program at the jewelry college where I am currently studying. All the photographs were taken there, which, by the way, is a gross violation of safety regulations, but what can’t you do for the sake of a beautiful photograph, especially when you have someone to brag to?
